[d4cohn]

It is still stunning (and I remember the conversation back when Stanford was ranked #1 RPI in March and the potential implications
regarding a top 8 seed) that Stanford will be competing for a national championship at the World Series. 

Now, that path will likely start with the overwhelming favorites Oklahoma. However, I will point out that James Madison
stunned the Sooners in the opening game behind star pitcher Odicci Alexander (who is NiJaree's major influence as a pitcher, as pointed out on the broadcast today) 
in the first game of the World Series two years ago. Although Oklahoma was able to fight back through the loser's bracket
and win two off of JMU in the national semifinals, I think getting OU early (because Stanford or any team will have to beat
Oklahoma at least once to win a national championship IMO) is advantageous as far as that matchup with the Sooners.

I expect and imagine Canady would get the ball against the Sooners; the game plan for beating the Sooners would be exceptional pitching and enough offense (3-4 runs at least) to win.

And while OU's offense is certainly better than ours, the argument for Stanford softball to win a national championship centers around this pitching and defense, and I believe the performance in the regionals and supers has highlighted our rotation as the best in the nation.

[d4cohn]

It is still stunning (and I remember the conversation back when Stanford was ranked #1 RPI in March and the potential implications
regarding a top 8 seed) that Stanford will be competing for a national championship at the World Series. 

Now, that path will likely start with the overwhelming favorites Oklahoma. However, I will point out that James Madison
stunned the Sooners in the opening game behind star pitcher Odicci Alexander (who is NiJaree's major influence as a pitcher, as pointed out on the broadcast today) 
in the first game of the World Series two years ago. Although Oklahoma was able to fight back through the loser's bracket
and win two off of JMU in the national semifinals, I think getting OU early (because Stanford or any team will have to beat
Oklahoma at least once to win a national championship IMO) is advantageous as far as that matchup with the Sooners.

I expect and imagine Canady would get the ball against the Sooners; the game plan for beating the Sooners would be exceptional pitching and enough offense (3-4 runs at least) to win.

And while OU's offense is certainly better than ours, the argument for Stanford softball to win a national championship centers around this pitching and defense, and I believe the performance in the regionals and supers has highlighted our rotation as the best in the nation.